Toxic shock syndrome
(TSS) usually strikes women. While it can be extremely serious, it is also quite rare. Often associated with tampon use, TSS is caused by a toxin released by
specific bacteria.
Although TSS can affect anyone, most cases occur in teenage girls and menstruating women. Some cases have been related to exposure to an
infection contracted during surgery or after suffering a burn or open wound. Although most people have naturally occurring antibodies that protect them from this toxin, some do not, and it is in these people that infection can lead to TSS.

The Tampon-TSS Connection

In the late 1970s, tampons—especially the super-absorbent type—were linked to an increased susceptibility to TSS, especially in women under age 25. Although the exact relationship between tampon use and TSS is still not known, it is believed that tampons may cause very small cuts, lacerations, or ulcerations in the vaginal wall, which make it easier for bacteria to enter into the bloodstream.

Symptoms Occur Suddenly

The symptoms of TSS, which almost always come on very suddenly and occur in women, usually strike during or following a menstrual period. These symptoms include:

High fever (102°F [39°C] or higher)

Rash resembling a sunburn that eventually peels skin on the palms and soles

While relatively rare, TSS can lead to serious complications, especially if left untreated. TSS can lead to
shock, kidney and/or liver failure, paralysis, and
miscarriage. In a very small number of cases, death can result from hypotensive shock. The body's reaction to the toxins can be overwhelming—blood pools near the digestive tract, causing the heart and lungs to be deprived of blood and to stop working.

Urgency: Treating TSS Immediately

If you suddenly have a high fever or any other symptoms around the time of your menstrual period, call your doctor. If a you are using a tampon, remove it right away. TSS can be a medical emergency, so it is important to call for emergency medical services immediately.

If TSS is suspected, treatment will be started as soon as possible. Once treatment is underway, your doctor can perform tests to confirm a diagnosis. This is necessary because many of the symptoms associated with TSS are similar to several health conditions or diseases. TSS can be confimed with a vaginal culture.

Treatment can include:

Large amounts of fluids (intravenously if necessary) to keep hydrated and control the effects of the fever

Antibiotics
to help control the infection

Medications to control and reduce the fever, as well as aches and pain

In severe cases, a hospitalization may be required to allow the doctor to more closely monitor and, if necessary, treat for the possible complications that might develop. Complications of TSS include
septic shock,
kidney failure, or liver failure.

Prevention: The Best Bet

Like most medical conditions, the best treatment for TSS is prevention. To that end, all women should take the following preventative measures:

Wash your hands before inserting a tampon.

Use tampons with as low a degree of absorbency as is practical, and don't use super-absorbent tampons unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

Change your tampon every 4-8 hours.

Do not leave a tampon in overnight.

When practical, use a pad instead of a tampon.

Finally, though TSS is not contagious, it can strike the same person more than once. If you've had TSS before, don't use tampons again without first getting approval from your doctor.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.